Abstract: A launder system for supplying molten metal from a crucible to a casting mould or a secondary process has a nozzle with a filter positioned therein to filter the molten metal as it flows through the nozzle. The nozzle and filter assembly is removably attachable to the launder system, and is used once and then replaced by a new nozzle and filter assembly. Efficient cleaning of the molten metal thus occurs without an increase in blockage due to the filter. Additionally, the scrapping rate of the launder system is reduced, allowing multiple usage of the launder.

Abstract: Apparatus for pouring molten metal comprises a cold crucible 15 which has a recess adjacent its top and a pouring spout 16 positioned in the recess just below the level of the surface of the melt. The recess defines a lip above the spout which helps to ensure that there is a constant pressure head above the spout. Pivotally mounted on the lip, and biased to assume a horizontal position irrespective of the angle of tilt of the crucible is an induction coil 21. The coil induces currents in the surface of the melt and thereby moves the dross away from the pouring spout. The crucible 15 pours into a constant head hopper 22 and the opening and closing of the crucible pouring spout 16 and the angle of tilt of the crucible are controlled to ensure constant pressure head in the hopper.

Abstract: Apparatus for pouring molten metal comprises a water cooled copper crucible 15 which has a recess adjacent its top and a pouring spout 16 positioned in the recess just below the level of the surface of the melt. The recess defines a lip above the spout which helps to ensure that there is a constant pressure head above the spout. Pivotally mounted on the lip, and biased to assume a horizontal position irrespective of the angle of tilt of the crucible is an induction coil 21. The coil induces currents in the surface of the melt and thereby moves the dross away from the pouring spout. The crucible 15 pours into a constant head hopper 22 and the opening and closing of the crucible pouring spout 16 and the angle of tilt of the crucible are controlled to ensure constant pressure head in the hopper.

Abstract: A machine for inserting a core supporting pin into a wax pattern includes a wax pattern support and a pin holder holding a continuous length of pin material means being provided to automatically cut off the pin to length and for displacing the pin holder such that the pre-heated pin may be inserted into the wax pattern.

Abstract: A method and a mould for making a cast single crystal in which the casting mould comprises a main casting chamber and a seed crystal mounted at or adjacent the entry aperture to this chamber. The charge of molten metal is arranged to flow over the crystal to produce melting of its upper surface. The molten metal filling the mould is then arranged to solidify progressively from the seed crystal, which then imposes its own structure and orientation on the solidifying metal.

Abstract: A method of making a two part aerofoil gas turbine engine blade consisting of casting each individual part separately, the parts being cast by the lost wax process, and subsequently joining the parts together after machining.